Drug Factsheets

Agriflu

In this factsheet:
• How does Agriflu work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Agriflu?
• What form(s) does Agriflu come in?
• Who should NOT take Agriflu?
• What side effects are possible with Agriflu?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Agriflu?
• What other drugs could interact with Agriflu?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Agriflu work? What will it do for me?

This medication belongs to a group of medications known as vaccines. It is used to prevent influenza (the flu). Influenza is a common viral illness caused by 2 types of virus: influenza A and influenza B.

Each year, different strains (new, slightly different versions of the virus) appear. Scientists predict which strains will be most likely for the coming year, and then these strains are used to make up the year's influenza vaccine. Each year's influenza vaccine contains 3 virus strains that are likely to circulate in Canada in the coming winter. The vaccine only provides protection against the strains of flu virus used to prepare the vaccine.

The vaccine increases a person's defenses against the influenza virus. It works by introducing very small amounts of viral components (parts) into the body. These components are enough to stimulate the production of antibodies (cells designed to attack that particular virus), which will remain in the body ready to attack that same virus in the future. The vaccine is used to prevent influenza for people over 6 months of age who want to reduce their chances of getting the flu.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends annual vaccination for:

• any healthy person wanting protection from influenza
• children aged 6 months to 18 years who are being treated with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for long periods of time
• health care workers
• healthy children aged 6 to 23 months
• healthy pregnant women
• household contacts (including children) of people at high risk who cannot be vaccinated or who may not respond to vaccination
• people at high risk of complications of influenza that are travelling to areas where influenza is likely circulating
• people over 65 years of age
• people who have HIV
• people with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, cystic fibrosis, anemia, or kidney disease
• residents of nursing homes or chronic care facilities

Your doctor may have suggested this vaccine for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are receiving this vaccine, speak to your doctor.

How should I use Agriflu?

The influenza vaccine is given once a year, usually in October or November, as an injection into a muscle (usually on the upper arm). It is given by a health care professional.

It is important this medication be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive the influenza vaccine, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

This medication is stored in the fridge and should be kept out of the reach of children. It should be protected form light and not allowed to freeze.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Agriflu come in?

Each dose of 0.5 mL contains 3 strains of influenza virus. Nonmedicinal ingredients: sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium phosphate dehydrate, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and water for injection. This vaccine may contain trace amounts of the following: neomycin and kanamycin; and residual amounts of egg protein, ovalbumin, formaldehyde, polysorbate 80 or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), barium, and citrates.

Who should NOT take Agriflu?

The influenza vaccine should not be used by anyone who:

• is allergic to any of the ingredients of this medication or any trace products found in this medication (for a complete list of ingredients and trace products, see "What forms does this medication come in?"
• has an active neurological disorder
• has an acute illness (except for minor illnesses)

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